Marco Bezzecchi
Toprak Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP debut inched closer with the launch of his very first premier class prototype on Tuesday, and the Turkish rider has finally addressed one ‘very important’ change he needs to make.
The three-time World Superbike champion’s move to MotoGP has culminated in one of the most highly anticipated rookie campaigns in recent years.
The transition between WSBK and MotoGP has proved to be difficult for riders in the past, with Cal Crutchlow serving as the most successful convert despite having scored just three Grand Prix victories.
Toprak Razgatlioglu is aware that strong results won’t come quickly and has already identified 2027 as the year that he can truly make his mark on the premier class, due to the new regulations that will befall the category.
However, Razgatlioglu has also been warned that he doesn’t have a lot of time before questions will start to be asked if he isn’t able to display the potential to challenge for victories in the future.
- READ MORE: Jack Miller issues clear verdict on being Toprak Razgatlioglu’s ‘mentor’ in his rookie MotoGP season
Is this the first sign of the value of moving from World Superbikes to MotoGP?
Toprak Razgatlioglu finally addresses the doubts over using his World Superbikes riding style in MotoGP
During Pramac Racing’s unveiling of their brand identity for the upcoming MotoGP season on the category’s official YouTube channel, Razgatlioglu was asked several questions by reporters about his debut term.
He was asked a question about his riding style, which has been under the spotlight since the Italian team announced that he would be making the switch over from the production motorcycles category.
Razgatlioglu was renowned for his spectacular riding style during his WSBK days, but many figures in the paddock believe that he needs to make amendments to it for it to translate well on prototype machinery.
The 29-year-old addressed the issue in his answer, saying, “Yeah, this is very important. I need to bring my style. Maybe not this year, but next year.
“I’m 90% sure because I understand the bike and the style I need. If you are riding like my style, the bikes won’t work at some tracks. Sometimes, you need more corner speed, you know?
“I need to change it up a little bit, and make it more like a mix. But we will see, you know, it’s easy to say it now, but changing your riding style is not easy.
“I believe that I will be riding like my style in 2027, but we will see.”
- READ MORE: Toprak Razgatlioglu reveals the most basic thing he has to learn about being a MotoGP rider
What do you make of the first 2026 livery?
MotoGP’s new era of regulations is tipped to be Toprak Razgatlioglu’s breakout season
As alluded to by Razgatlioglu in his comments, the 2027 term will most likely be the first time we really get to assess his prowess on MotoGP machinery.
One of the key changes that will play into the Turkish rider’s hands is MotoGP’s decision to change tyre supplier from Michelin to Pirelli.
Razgatlioglu has raced with Pirelli rubber since the start of his professional riding career, and curated his riding style to cater to the compound’s needs.
Paired with the regulatory overhaul that the bikes will be going through, he will be starting afresh in 2027, just like every other rider on the grid will be.
With a year of racing experience in the premier class under his belt at that point, he will have more fortune in his favour to compete on an equal playing field.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
